Memory devices for multiple read operations

ABSTRACT

Memory devices might include an array of memory cells, a plurality of access lines, and control logic. The array of memory cells includes a plurality of strings of series-connected memory cells. Each access line of the plurality of access lines is connected to a control gate of a respective memory cell of each string of series-connected memory cells of the plurality of strings of series-connected memory cells. The control logic is configured to: open the array of memory cells for multiple read operations; read first page data from respective memory cells coupled to a selected access line of the plurality of access lines; read second page data from the respective memory cells coupled to the selected access line; and close the array of memory cells subsequent to reading the first page data and the second page data.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/126,001, filed on Dec. 16, 2020, hereby incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to memory and, in particular,in one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to multipleread operations in memory devices.

BACKGROUND

Memories (e.g., memory devices) are typically provided as internal,semiconductor, integrated circuit devices in computers or otherelectronic devices. There are many different types of memory includingrandom-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM),and flash memory.

Flash memory has developed into a popular source of non-volatile memoryfor a wide range of electronic applications. Flash memory typically usea one-transistor memory cell that allows for high memory densities, highreliability, and low power consumption. Changes in threshold voltage(Vt) of the memory cells, through programming (which is often referredto as writing) of charge storage structures (e.g., floating gates orcharge traps) or other physical phenomena (e.g., phase change orpolarization), determine the data state (e.g., data value) of eachmemory cell. Common uses for flash memory and other non-volatile memoryinclude personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digitalcameras, digital media players, digital recorders, games, appliances,vehicles, wireless devices, mobile telephones, and removable memorymodules, and the uses for non-volatile memory continue to expand.

A NAND flash memory is a common type of flash memory device, so calledfor the logical form in which the basic memory cell configuration isarranged. Typically, the array of memory cells for NAND flash memory isarranged such that the control gate of each memory cell of a row of thearray is connected together to form an access line, such as a word line.Columns of the array include strings (often termed NAND strings) ofmemory cells connected together in series between a pair of selectgates, e.g., a source select transistor and a drain select transistor.Each source select transistor may be connected to a source, while eachdrain select transistor may be connected to a data line, such as columnbit line. Variations using more than one select gate between a string ofmemory cells and the source, and/or between the string of memory cellsand the data line, are known.

In programming memory, memory cells may generally be programmed as whatare often termed single-level cells (SLC) or multiple-level cells (MLC).SLC may use a single memory cell to represent one digit (e.g., bit) ofdata. For example, in SLC, a Vt of 2.5V might indicate a programmedmemory cell (e.g., representing a logical 0) while a Vt of −0.5V mightindicate an erased cell (e.g., representing a logical 1). As an example,the erased state in SLC might be represented by any threshold voltageless than or equal to 0V, while the programmed data state might berepresented by any threshold voltage greater than 0V.

MLC uses more than two Vt ranges, where each Vt range indicates adifferent data state. As is generally known, a margin (e.g., a certainnumber of volts), such as a dead space, may separate adjacent Vt ranges,e.g., to facilitate differentiating between data states. Multiple-levelcells can take advantage of the analog nature of traditionalnon-volatile memory cells by assigning a bit pattern to a specific Vtrange. While MLC typically uses a memory cell to represent one datastate of a binary number of data states (e.g., 4, 8, 16, . . . ), amemory cell operated as MLC may be used to represent a non-binary numberof data states. For example, where the MLC uses three Vt ranges, twomemory cells might be used to collectively represent one of eight datastates.

In programming MLC memory, data values are often programmed using morethan one pass, e.g., programming one or more digits in each pass. Forexample, in four-level MLC (typically referred to simply as MLC), afirst digit, e.g., a least significant bit (LSB), often referred to aslower page (LP) data, may be programmed to the memory cells in a firstpass, thus resulting in two (e.g., first and second) threshold voltageranges. Subsequently, a second digit, e.g., a most significant bit(MSB), often referred to as upper page (UP) data may be programmed tothe memory cells in a second pass, typically moving some portion ofthose memory cells in the first threshold voltage range into a thirdthreshold voltage range, and moving some portion of those memory cellsin the second threshold voltage range into a fourth threshold voltagerange. Similarly, eight-level MLC (typically referred to as TLC) mayrepresent a bit pattern of three bits, including a first digit, e.g., aleast significant bit (LSB) or lower page (LP) data; a second digit,e.g., upper page (UP) data; and a third digit, e.g., a most significantbit (MSB) or extra page (XP) data. In operating TLC, the LP data may beprogrammed to the memory cells in a first pass, resulting in twothreshold voltage ranges, followed by the UP data and the XP data in asecond pass, resulting in eight threshold voltage ranges. Similarly,sixteen-level MLC (typically referred to as QLC) may represent a bitpattern of four bits, and 32-level MLC (typically referred to as PLC)may represent a bit pattern of five bits.

When data is read from a memory device, there are read overheads (e.g.,prologue, read initialization, read recovery) that add to the total readtime. These read overheads might be repeated each time the memory deviceis accessed to read a single page of data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a memory in communication with aprocessor as part of an electronic system, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2C are schematics of portions of an array of memory cells ascould be used in a memory of the type described with reference to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified block diagrams of portions of a pagebuffer as could be used in the memory of the type described withreference to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 depicts a timing diagram for a method of operating a memory foruse with various embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of operating a memory in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of operating a memory in accordancewith another embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11D are flowcharts of a method of operating a memory inaccordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, byway of illustration, specific embodiments. In the drawings, likereference numerals describe substantially similar components throughoutthe several views. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural,logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The term “semiconductor” used herein can refer to, for example, a layerof material, a wafer, or a substrate, and includes any basesemiconductor structure. “Semiconductor” is to be understood asincluding silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) technology, silicon-on-insulator(SOI) technology, thin film transistor (TFT) technology, doped andundoped semiconductors, epitaxial layers of a silicon supported by abase semiconductor structure, as well as other semiconductor structureswell known to one skilled in the art. Furthermore, when reference ismade to a semiconductor in the following description, previous processsteps might have been utilized to form regions/junctions in the basesemiconductor structure, and the term semiconductor can include theunderlying layers containing such regions/junctions.

The term “conductive” as used herein, as well as its various relatedforms, e.g., conduct, conductively, conducting, conduction,conductivity, etc., refers to electrically conductive unless otherwiseapparent from the context. Similarly, the term “connecting” as usedherein, as well as its various related forms, e.g., connect, connected,connection, etc., refers to electrically connecting unless otherwiseapparent from the context.

It is recognized herein that even where values might be intended to beequal, variabilities and accuracies of industrial processing andoperation might lead to differences from their intended values. Thesevariabilities and accuracies will generally be dependent upon thetechnology utilized in fabrication and operation of the integratedcircuit device. As such, if values are intended to be equal, thosevalues are deemed to be equal regardless of their resulting values.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a first apparatus, in the formof a memory (e.g., memory device) 100, in communication with a secondapparatus, in the form of a processor 130, as part of a third apparatus,in the form of an electronic system, according to an embodiment. Someexamples of electronic systems include personal computers, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, digital media players,digital recorders, games, appliances, vehicles, wireless devices, mobiletelephones and the like. The processor 130, e.g., a controller externalto the memory device 100, might be a memory controller or other externalhost device.

Memory device 100 includes an array of memory cells 104 that might belogically arranged in rows and columns. Memory cells of a logical roware typically connected to the same access line (commonly referred to asa word line) while memory cells of a logical column are typicallyselectively connected to the same data line (commonly referred to as abit line). A single access line might be associated with more than onelogical row of memory cells and a single data line might be associatedwith more than one logical column. Memory cells (not shown in FIG. 1 )of at least a portion of array of memory cells 104 are capable of beingprogrammed to one of at least two target data states.

A row decode circuitry 108 and a column decode circuitry 110 areprovided to decode address signals. Address signals are received anddecoded to access the array of memory cells 104. Memory device 100 alsoincludes input/output (I/O) control circuitry 112 to manage input ofcommands, addresses and data to the memory device 100 as well as outputof data and status information from the memory device 100. An addressregister 114 is in communication with I/O control circuitry 112 and rowdecode circuitry 108 and column decode circuitry 110 to latch theaddress signals prior to decoding. A command register 124 is incommunication with I/O control circuitry 112 and control logic 116 tolatch incoming commands.

A controller (e.g., the control logic 116 internal to the memory device100) controls access to the array of memory cells 104 in response to thecommands and may generate status information for the external processor130, i.e., control logic 116 is configured to perform access operations(e.g., sensing operations [which might include read operations andverify operations], programming operations and/or erase operations) onthe array of memory cells 104. The control logic 116 is in communicationwith row decode circuitry 108 and column decode circuitry 110 to controlthe row decode circuitry 108 and column decode circuitry 110 in responseto the addresses. The control logic 116 might include instructionregisters 128 which might represent computer-usable memory for storingcomputer-readable instructions. For some embodiments, the instructionregisters 128 might represent firmware. Alternatively, the instructionregisters 128 might represent a grouping of memory cells, e.g., reservedblock(s) of memory cells, of the array of memory cells 104.

Control logic 116 might also be in communication with a cache register118. Cache register 118 latches data, either incoming or outgoing, asdirected by control logic 116 to temporarily store data while the arrayof memory cells 104 is busy writing or reading, respectively, otherdata. During a programming operation (e.g., write operation), data mightbe passed from the cache register 118 to the data register 120 fortransfer to the array of memory cells 104; then new data might belatched in the cache register 118 from the I/O control circuitry 112.During a read operation, data might be passed from the cache register118 to the I/O control circuitry 112 for output to the externalprocessor 130; then new data might be passed from the data register 120to the cache register 118. The cache register 118 and/or the dataregister 120 might form (e.g., might form a portion of) a page buffer ofthe memory device 100. A page buffer might further include sensingdevices (not shown in FIG. 1 ) to sense a data state of a memory cell ofthe array of memory cells 104, e.g., by sensing a state of a data lineconnected to that memory cell. A status register 122 might be incommunication with I/O control circuitry 112 and control logic 116 tolatch the status information for output to the processor 130.

Memory device 100 receives control signals at control logic 116 fromprocessor 130 over a control link 132. The control signals might includea chip enable CE #, a command latch enable CLE, an address latch enableALE, a write enable WE #, a read enable RE #, and a write protect WP #.Additional or alternative control signals (not shown) might be furtherreceived over control link 132 depending upon the nature of the memorydevice 100. Memory device 100 receives command signals (which representcommands), address signals (which represent addresses), and data signals(which represent data) from processor 130 over a multiplexedinput/output (I/O) bus 134 and outputs data to processor 130 over I/Obus 134.

For example, the commands might be received over input/output (I/O) pins[7:0] of I/O bus 134 at I/O control circuitry 112 and might then bewritten into command register 124. The addresses might be received overinput/output (I/O) pins [7:0] of I/O bus 134 at I/O control circuitry112 and might then be written into address register 114. The data mightbe received over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] for an 8-bit device orinput/output (I/O) pins [15:0] for a 16-bit device at I/O controlcircuitry 112 and then might be written into cache register 118. Thedata might be subsequently written into data register 120 forprogramming the array of memory cells 104. For another embodiment, cacheregister 118 might be omitted, and the data might be written directlyinto data register 120. Data might also be output over input/output(I/O) pins [7:0] for an 8-bit device or input/output (I/O) pins [15:0]for a 16-bit device. Although reference might be made to I/O pins, theymight include any conductive nodes providing for electrical connectionto the memory device 100 by an external device (e.g., processor 130),such as conductive pads or conductive bumps as are commonly used.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additionalcircuitry and signals can be provided, and that the memory device 100 ofFIG. 1 has been simplified. It should be recognized that thefunctionality of the various block components described with referenceto FIG. 1 might not necessarily be segregated to distinct components orcomponent portions of an integrated circuit device. For example, asingle component or component portion of an integrated circuit devicecould be adapted to perform the functionality of more than one blockcomponent of FIG. 1 . Alternatively, one or more components or componentportions of an integrated circuit device could be combined to performthe functionality of a single block component of FIG. 1 .

Additionally, while specific I/O pins are described in accordance withpopular conventions for receipt and output of the various signals, it isnoted that other combinations or numbers of I/O pins (or other I/O nodestructures) might be used in the various embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a schematic of a portion of an array of memory cells 200A,such as a NAND memory array, as could be used in a memory of the typedescribed with reference to FIG. 1 , e.g., as a portion of array ofmemory cells 104. Memory array 200A includes access lines (e.g., wordlines) 202 ₀ to 202 _(N), and data lines (e.g., bit lines) 204 ₀ to 204_(M). The access lines 202 might be connected to global access lines(e.g., global word lines), not shown in FIG. 2A, in a many-to-onerelationship. For some embodiments, memory array 200A might be formedover a semiconductor that, for example, might be conductively doped tohave a conductivity type, such as a p-type conductivity, e.g., to form ap-well, or an n-type conductivity, e.g., to form an n-well.

Memory array 200A might be arranged in rows (each corresponding to anaccess line 202) and columns (each corresponding to a data line 204).Each column might include a string of series-connected memory cells(e.g., non-volatile memory cells), such as one of NAND strings 206 ₀ to206 _(M). Each NAND string 206 might be connected (e.g., selectivelyconnected) to a common source (SRC) 216 and might include memory cells208 ₀ to 208 _(N). The memory cells 208 might represent non-volatilememory cells for storage of data. The memory cells 208 ₀ to 208 _(N)might include memory cells intended for storage of data, and mightfurther include other memory cells not intended for storage of data,e.g., dummy memory cells. Dummy memory cells are typically notaccessible to a user of the memory, and are instead typicallyincorporated into the string of series-connected memory cells foroperational advantages that are well understood.

The memory cells 208 of each NAND string 206 might be connected inseries between a select gate 210 (e.g., a field-effect transistor), suchas one of the select gates 210 ₀ to 210 _(M) (e.g., that might be sourceselect transistors, commonly referred to as select gate source), and aselect gate 212 (e.g., a field-effect transistor), such as one of theselect gates 212 ₀ to 212 _(M) (e.g., that might be drain selecttransistors, commonly referred to as select gate drain). Select gates210 ₀ to 210 _(M) might be commonly connected to a select line 214, suchas a source select line (SGS), and select gates 212 ₀ to 212 _(M) mightbe commonly connected to a select line 215, such as a drain select line(SGD). Although depicted as traditional field-effect transistors, theselect gates 210 and 212 might utilize a structure similar to (e.g., thesame as) the memory cells 208. The select gates 210 and 212 mightrepresent a plurality of select gates connected in series, with eachselect gate in series configured to receive a same or independentcontrol signal.

A source of each select gate 210 might be connected to common source216. The drain of each select gate 210 might be connected to a memorycell 208 ₀ of the corresponding NAND string 206. For example, the drainof select gate 210 ₀ might be connected to memory cell 208 ₀ of thecorresponding NAND string 206 ₀. Therefore, each select gate 210 mightbe configured to selectively connect a corresponding NAND string 206 tocommon source 216. A control gate of each select gate 210 might beconnected to select line 214.

The drain of each select gate 212 might be connected to the data line204 for the corresponding NAND string 206. For example, the drain ofselect gate 212 ₀ might be connected to the data line 204 ₀ for thecorresponding NAND string 206 ₀. The source of each select gate 212might be connected to a memory cell 208 _(N) of the corresponding NANDstring 206. For example, the source of select gate 212 ₀ might beconnected to memory cell 208 _(N) of the corresponding NAND string 206₀. Therefore, each select gate 212 might be configured to selectivelyconnect a corresponding NAND string 206 to the corresponding data line204. A control gate of each select gate 212 might be connected to selectline 215.

The memory array in FIG. 2A might be a quasi-two-dimensional memoryarray and might have a generally planar structure, e.g., where thecommon source 216, NAND strings 206 and data lines 204 extend insubstantially parallel planes. Alternatively, the memory array in FIG.2A might be a three-dimensional memory array, e.g., where NAND strings206 might extend substantially perpendicular to a plane containing thecommon source 216 and to a plane containing the data lines 204 thatmight be substantially parallel to the plane containing the commonsource 216.

Typical construction of memory cells 208 includes a data-storagestructure 234 (e.g., a floating gate, charge trap, or other structureconfigured to store charge) that can determine a data state of thememory cell (e.g., through changes in threshold voltage), and a controlgate 236, as shown in FIG. 2A. The data-storage structure 234 mightinclude both conductive and dielectric structures while the control gate236 is generally formed of one or more conductive materials. In somecases, memory cells 208 might further have a defined source/drain (e.g.,source) 230 and a defined source/drain (e.g., drain) 232. Memory cells208 have their control gates 236 connected to (and in some cases form)an access line 202.

A column of the memory cells 208 might be a NAND string 206 or aplurality of NAND strings 206 selectively connected to a given data line204. A row of the memory cells 208 might be memory cells 208 commonlyconnected to a given access line 202. A row of memory cells 208 can, butneed not, include all memory cells 208 commonly connected to a givenaccess line 202. Rows of memory cells 208 might often be divided intoone or more groups of physical pages of memory cells 208, and physicalpages of memory cells 208 often include every other memory cell 208commonly connected to a given access line 202. For example, memory cells208 commonly connected to access line 202 _(N) and selectively connectedto even data lines 204 (e.g., data lines 204 ₀, 204 ₂, 204 ₄, etc.)might be one physical page of memory cells 208 (e.g., even memory cells)while memory cells 208 commonly connected to access line 202 _(N) andselectively connected to odd data lines 204 (e.g., data lines 204 ₁, 204₃, 204 ₅, etc.) might be another physical page of memory cells 208(e.g., odd memory cells). Although data lines 204 ₃-204 ₅ are notexplicitly depicted in FIG. 2A, it is apparent from the figure that thedata lines 204 of the array of memory cells 200A might be numberedconsecutively from data line 204 ₀ to data line 204 _(M). Othergroupings of memory cells 208 commonly connected to a given access line202 might also define a physical page of memory cells 208. For certainmemory devices, all memory cells commonly connected to a given accessline might be deemed a physical page of memory cells. The portion of aphysical page of memory cells (which, in some embodiments, could stillbe the entire row) that is read during a single read operation orprogrammed during a single programming operation (e.g., an upper orlower page of memory cells) might be deemed a logical page of memorycells. A block of memory cells might include those memory cells that areconfigured to be erased together, such as all memory cells connected toaccess lines 202 ₀-202 _(N) (e.g., all NAND strings 206 sharing commonaccess lines 202). Unless expressly distinguished, a reference to a pageof memory cells herein refers to the memory cells of a logical page ofmemory cells.

Although the example of FIG. 2A is discussed in conjunction with NANDflash, the embodiments and concepts described herein are not limited toa particular array architecture or structure, and can include otherstructures (e.g., SONOS or other data storage structure configured tostore charge) and other architectures (e.g., AND arrays, NOR arrays,etc.).

FIG. 2B is another schematic of a portion of an array of memory cells200B as could be used in a memory of the type described with referenceto FIG. 1 , e.g., as a portion of array of memory cells 104. Likenumbered elements in FIG. 2B correspond to the description as providedwith respect to FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B provides additional detail of oneexample of a three-dimensional NAND memory array structure. Thethree-dimensional NAND memory array 200B might incorporate verticalstructures which might include semiconductor pillars where a portion ofa pillar might act as a channel region of the memory cells of NANDstrings 206. The NAND strings 206 might be each selectively connected toa data line 204 ₀ to 204 _(M) by a select transistor 212 (e.g., thatmight be drain select transistors, commonly referred to as select gatedrain) and to a common source 216 by a select transistor 210 (e.g., thatmight be source select transistors, commonly referred to as select gatesource). Multiple NAND strings 206 might be selectively connected to thesame data line 204. Subsets of NAND strings 206 can be connected totheir respective data lines 204 by biasing the select lines 215 ₀ to 215_(K) to selectively activate particular select transistors 212 eachbetween a NAND string 206 and a data line 204. The select transistors210 can be activated by biasing the select line 214. Each access line202 might be connected to multiple rows of memory cells of the memoryarray 200B. Rows of memory cells that are commonly connected to eachother by a particular access line 202 might collectively be referred toas tiers.

The three-dimensional NAND memory array 200B might be formed overperipheral circuitry 226. The peripheral circuitry 226 might represent avariety of circuitry for accessing the memory array 200B. The peripheralcircuitry 226 might include complementary circuit elements. For example,the peripheral circuitry 226 might include both n-channel and p-channeltransistors formed on a same semiconductor substrate, a process commonlyreferred to as CMOS, or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors.Although CMOS often no longer utilizes a strictmetal-oxide-semiconductor construction due to advancements in integratedcircuit fabrication and design, the CMOS designation remains as a matterof convenience.

FIG. 2C is a further schematic of a portion of an array of memory cells200C as could be used in a memory of the type described with referenceto FIG. 1 , e.g., as a portion of array of memory cells 104. Likenumbered elements in FIG. 2C correspond to the description as providedwith respect to FIG. 2A. Array of memory cells 200C may include stringsof series-connected memory cells (e.g., NAND strings) 206, access (e.g.,word) lines 202, data (e.g., bit) lines 204, select lines 214 (e.g.,source select lines), select lines 215 (e.g., drain select lines) andsource 216 as depicted in FIG. 2A. A portion of the array of memorycells 200A may be a portion of the array of memory cells 200C, forexample. FIG. 2C depicts groupings of NAND strings 206 into blocks ofmemory cells 250, e.g., blocks of memory cells 250 ₀ to 250 _(L). Blocksof memory cells 250 may be groupings of memory cells 208 that may beerased together in a single erase operation, sometimes referred to aserase blocks. Each block of memory cells 250 might include those NANDstrings 206 commonly associated with a single select line 215, e.g.,select line 215 ₀. The source 216 for the block of memory cells 250 ₀might be a same source as the source 216 for the block of memory cells250 _(L). For example, each block of memory cells 250 ₀ to 250 _(L)might be commonly selectively connected to the source 216. Access lines202 and select lines 214 and 215 of one block of memory cells 250 mayhave no direct connection to access lines 202 and select lines 214 and215, respectively, of any other block of memory cells of the blocks ofmemory cells 250 ₀ to 250 _(L).

The data lines 204 ₀ to 204 _(M) may be connected (e.g., selectivelyconnected) to a buffer portion 240, which might be a portion of a databuffer of the memory. The buffer portion 240 might correspond to amemory plane (e.g., the set of blocks of memory cells 250 ₀ to 250_(L)). The buffer portion 240 might include sense circuits (not shown inFIG. 2C) for sensing data values indicated on respective data lines 204.

While the blocks of memory cells 250 of FIG. 2C depict only one selectline 215 per block of memory cells 250, the blocks of memory cells 250might include those NAND strings 206 commonly associated with more thanone select line 215. For example, select line 215 ₀ of block of memorycells 250 ₀ might correspond to the select line 215 ₀ of the memoryarray 200B of FIG. 2B, and the block of memory cells of the memory array200C of FIG. 2C might further include those NAND strings 206 associatedwith select lines 215 ₁ to 215 _(K) of FIG. 2B. In such blocks of memorycells 250 having NAND strings 206 associated with multiple select lines215, those NAND strings 206 commonly associated with a single selectline 215 might be referred to as a sub-block of memory cells. Each suchsub-block of memory cells might be selectively connected to the bufferportion 240 responsive to its respective select line 215.

FIG. 3A is a simplified block diagram of portions of a page buffer 240a. In one example, page buffer 240 a might be part of buffer portion 240of FIG. 2C. The data lines 204 ₀ to 204 _(M) may be connected to thepage buffer 240 a. The page buffer 240 a might include a latch 260 ₀ to260 _(M) for each data line 204 ₀ to 204 _(M), respectively. In oneexample, each latch 260 ₀ to 260 _(M) might sequentially store page data(e.g., upper page data, lower page data, extra page data) read from thearray of memory cells (e.g., array of memory cells 200C) such thatpreviously read page data (e.g., first page data) is transferred out ofthe latches 260 ₀ to 260 _(M) prior to reading additional page data(e.g., second page data). The additional page data is then latched inlatches 260 ₀ to 260 _(M). In another example (commonly referred to as acache read), each latch 260 ₀ to 260 _(M) might sequentially store pagedata read from the array of memory cells such that previously read pagedata (e.g., first page data) is transferred out of the latches 260 ₀ to260 _(M) concurrently with reading additional page data (e.g., secondpage data). The additional page data is then latched in latches 260 ₀ to260 _(M).

FIG. 3B is a simplified block diagram of portions of another page buffer240 b. In one example, page buffer 240 b might be part of buffer portion240 of FIG. 2C. The data lines 204 ₀ to 204 _(M) might be connected tothe page buffer 240 b. The page buffer 240 b might include a pluralityof latches 262 _(0,0)-262 _(0,Y) to 262 _(M,0)-262 _(M,Y) for each dataline 204 ₀ to 204 _(M), respectively. Each set of latches 262 _(0,0)-262_(0,Y) to 262 _(M,0)-262 _(M,Y) for each data line 204 ₀ to 204 _(M),respectively, might store multiple pages of data (e.g., lower page data,upper page data, extra page data, etc.) read from the array of memorycells (e.g., array of memory cells 200C) in parallel. For example, latch262 _(0,0) may store lower page data, a latch 262 _(0,1) may store upperpage data, and a latch 262 _(0,2) may store extra page data read from aselected memory cell coupled to the data line 204 ₀ in parallel. In oneexample, the previously read multiple pages of data may be transferredout of the latches 262 _(0,0)-262 _(0,Y) to 262 _(M,0)-262 _(M,Y) priorto reading additional page data. In another example (commonly referredto as a cache read), the previously read multiple pages of data may betransferred out of the latches 262 _(0,0)-262 _(0,Y) to 262 _(M,0)-262_(M,Y) concurrently with reading additional page data.

FIG. 4 depicts a timing diagram for a method of operating a memory(e.g., memory device 100 of FIG. 1 ) for use with various embodiments.For simplicity, FIG. 4 and the following FIGS. 5-8 will presume multipleread operations for TLC memory cells, e.g., eight-level memory cellsrepresenting data states L0, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, and L7 using eightthreshold voltage ranges, each representing a data state correspondingto a bit pattern of three digits. While discussed in reference to TLCmemory cells, multiple read operations performed on lower storagedensity memory cells, e.g., SLC (two data states) or higher storagedensity memory cells, e.g., QLC (16 data states) or PLC (32 data states)memory cells, are equally applicable. In this example, multiple pages ofdata are read from memory cells coupled to a single access line within asingle block (or sub-block) of memory cells.

In FIG. 4 , trace 300 might represent the voltage level applied to aselected access line (e.g., selected word line) connected to memorycells selected for the multiple read operations, e.g., target memorycells. The following discussion will be made with reference to at leastFIG. 2C and will presume that the memory cells selected for the multipleread operations are the memory cells 208 _(N) of the NAND strings 206 ₀to 206 _(M) of the block of memory cells 250 ₀, such that trace 300might represent the voltage level applied to access line 202 _(N). Theaccess line 202 _(N) may be referred to as the selected access line asit contains the target memory cells, while remaining access lines 202may be referred to as unselected access lines.

At time t0, a command is received (e.g., from control logic 116 of FIG.1 ) to open the array of memory cells (e.g., array of memory cells 200C)for multiple read operations. In response to the command to open thearray of memory cells, a voltage of the selected access line 202 _(N)might increase from a reference voltage 302 to a voltage 304 sufficientto activate each respective memory cell 208 _(N) coupled to the selectedaccess line 202 _(N). While not shown in FIG. 4 , in response to thecommand to open the array of memory cells, the array of memory cellsmight be opened for multiple read operations between times t0 and t1 byalso: increasing the voltage of each unselected access line 202 from thereference voltage 302 to the voltage 304 sufficient to activate eachrespective memory cell 208 coupled to each unselected access line 202,and biasing the select lines 215 ₀ and 214 ₀ to activate the respectiveselect gates 212 and 210 to select the respective NAND strings 206within the block of memory cells 250 ₀.

At time t1, the voltage of the selected access line 202 _(N) has reachedthe voltage 304. The period between times t0 and t1 is part of the readoverhead since no data is read during this period. At time t1, a commandmight be received to read first page data (e.g., lower page data) fromthe respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N). Between times t1 and t2, the first page data is read byadjusting the voltage level of the selected access line 202 _(N) tosense the lower page data of the respective memory cells 208 _(N) (e.g.,via sense circuits connected to bit lines 204 ₀ to 204 _(M)). At timet2, a command might be received to read second page data (e.g., upperpage data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to theselected access line 202 _(N). Between times t2 and t3, the second pagedata is read by adjusting the voltage level of the selected access line202 _(N) to sense the upper page data of the respective memory cells 208_(N). At time t3, a command might be received to read third page data(e.g., extra page data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N)coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N). Between times t3 and t4,the third page data is read by adjusting the voltage level of theselected access line 202 _(N) to sense the extra page data of therespective memory cells 208 _(N).

At time t4, the multiple read operations are complete and a command toclose the array of memory cells is received. In response to the commandto close the array of memory cells, the voltage of the selected accessline 202 _(N) is ramped up to the voltage 304 sufficient to activateeach respective memory cell 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N) followed by ramping down the selected access line 202 _(N) tothe reference voltage 302. While not shown in FIG. 4 , in response tothe command to close the array of memory cells, the array of memorycells is closed between times t4 and t5 by also: ramping up the voltageof each unselected access line 202 to the voltage 304 sufficient toactivate each respective memory cell 208 coupled to the unselectedaccess lines 202 followed by ramping down the unselected access lines202 to the reference voltage 302, and biasing the select lines 215 ₀ and214 ₀ to deactivate the respective select gates 212 and 210 to deselectthe respective NAND strings 206 within the block of memory cells 250 ₀.

The period between times t4 and t5 is part of the read overhead since nodata is read during this period. By reading multiple pages between timest1 and t4 with a single array opening overhead between times t0 and t1and a single array closing overhead between times t4 and t5 rather thanan array opening overhead and an array closing overhead for each singlepage read, the overall read time for multiple read operations may bereduced for a selected access line within a single block (or sub-block)of memory cells. In the particular example of FIG. 4 , by not closingthe array between page reads, the overall read time is reduced by anamount of time equal to two array opening overheads plus two arrayclosing overheads.

It is noted that the array opening overhead and the array closingoverhead described herein are distinct from global startup/closingactivities performed by a memory device (e.g., 100 of FIG. 1 ) inresponse to receiving a read command from a processor (e.g., 130)connected to the memory device. The global startup activities mightinclude certain activities to prepare the memory for a read operation,such as activating voltage generation devices and analog circuitry of aninternal controller (e.g., control logic 116 of FIG. 1 ) and sensing atemperature of the memory to adjust any temperature-dependent variablesfor the read operation. The global closing activities might includecertain activities to return the memory to some initialization state,such as deactivating the voltage generation devices and the analogcircuitry of the internal controller. In contrast, the array openingoverhead and the array closing overhead described herein are specific tothe array of memory cells.

FIG. 5 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments. In this example, multiple pages ofdata are read from memory cells coupled to a single access line (e.g.,202 _(N)) within multiple blocks (or sub-blocks) of memory cells. InFIG. 5 , trace 310 might represent the voltage level applied to a firstselect line (e.g., select line 215 ₀ of block of memory cells 250 ₀ inFIG. 2C) connected to respective select gates 212. Trace 312 mightrepresent the voltage level applied to a second select line (e.g., aselect line 215 ₁ of a block of memory cells 250 ₁) connected torespective select gates 212. Trace 312 might represent the voltage levelapplied to a third select line (e.g., a select line 215 ₂ of a block ofmemory cells 250 ₂) connected to respective select gates 212. While FIG.5 depicts three traces 310, 312, and 314 corresponding to three blocks(or sub-blocks) of memory cells for multiple read operations, in otherembodiments the multiple read operations may involve two blocks ofmemory cells or more than three blocks of memory cells.

At time t0, a command is received (e.g., from control logic 116 of FIG.1 ) to open the array of memory cells for multiple read operations. Inresponse to the command to open the array of memory cells, a voltage ofeach select line 215 ₀, 215 ₁, 215 ₂ might increase from a referencevoltage 316 to a voltage 318 sufficient to connect via respective selectgates 212 each data line 204 to a respective string of series-connectedmemory cells 206. While not shown in FIG. 5 , in response to the commandto open the array of memory cells, the array of memory cells might beopened for multiple read operations between times t0 and t1 by also:increasing the voltage of the selected access line 202 _(N) and eachunselected access line 202 from a reference voltage to a voltagesufficient to activate each respective memory cell 208 coupled to theselected access line 202 _(N) and each unselected access line 202, andbiasing the select lines 214 ₀, 214 ₁, 214 ₂ to activate the respectiveselect gates 210 to connect the common source 216 to each respectivestring of series-connected memory cells 206.

At time t1, the voltage of each select line 215 ₀, 215 ₁, 215 ₂ hasreached the voltage 318. The period between times t0 and t1 is part ofthe read overhead since no data is read during this period. At time t1,a command might be received to read first page data from the respectivememory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N) forthe first block of memory cells 250 ₀. Between times t1 and t2, thevoltage on select line 215 ₀ is maintained to keep the respective selectgates 212 active as indicated by trace 310 for the first block of memorycells 250 ₀, while the voltage on select lines 215 ₁, 215 ₂ are reducedto deactivate the respective select gates 212 for the blocks of memorycells 250 ₁, 250 ₂ as indicated by traces 312, 314. Thus, the respectivememory cells coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N) within thefirst block of memory cells 250 ₀ are selected. First page data (e.g.,lower page data) is then read from the first block of memory cells 250₀.

At time t2, a command might be received to read second page data fromthe respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N) for the second block of memory cells 250 ₁. Between times t2and t3, the voltage on select line 215 ₂ is increased to activate therespective select gates 212 as indicated by trace 312 for the secondblock of memory cells 250 ₁, while the voltage on select lines 215 ₀,215 ₂ are reduced (or maintained) to deactivate the respective selectgates 212 for the blocks of memory cells 250 ₀, 250 ₂ as indicated bytraces 310, 314. Thus, the respective memory cells coupled to theselected access line 202 _(N) within the second block of memory cells250 ₁ are selected. Second page data (e.g., lower page data) is thenread from the second block of memory cells 250 ₁.

At time t3, a command might be received to read third page data from therespective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line 202_(N) for the third block of memory cells 250 ₂. Between times t3 and t4,the voltage on select line 215 ₂ is increased to activate the respectiveselect gates 212 as indicated by trace 314 for the third block of memorycells 250 ₂, while the voltage on select lines 215 ₁, 215 ₂ are reduced(or maintained) to deactivate the respective select gates 212 for theblocks of memory cells 250 ₀, 250 ₁ as indicated by traces 310, 312.Thus, the respective memory cells coupled to the selected access line202 _(N) within the third block of memory cells 250 ₂ are selected.Third page data (e.g., lower page data) is then read from the thirdblock of memory cells 250 ₂.

At time t4, the multiple read operations are complete and a command toclose the array of memory cells is received. In response to the commandto close the array of memory cells, the voltage of each select line 215₀, 215 ₁, 215 ₂ is ramped up to the voltage 318 sufficient to activatethe respective select gates 212 coupled to each select line 215 ₀, 215₁, 215 ₂ followed by ramping down each select line 215 ₀, 215 ₁, 215 ₂to the reference voltage 316 as indicated by traces 310, 312, 314. Whilenot shown in FIG. 5 , in response to the command to close the array ofmemory cells, the array of memory cells is closed between times t4 andt5 by also: ramping up the voltage of the selected access line 202 _(N)and the unselected access lines 202 to a voltage sufficient to activateeach respective memory cell 208 coupled to the selected access line 202_(N) and the unselected access lines 202 followed by ramping down theselected access line 202 _(N) and the unselected access lines 202 to areference voltage, and biasing the select lines 214 ₀, 214 ₁, 214 ₂ todeactivate the respective select gates 210 to disconnect the commonsource 216 from each respective string of series-connected memory cells206.

The period between times t4 and t5 is part of the read overhead since nodata is read during this period. By reading multiple pages between timest1 and t4 with a single array opening overhead between times t0 and t1and a single array closing overhead between times t4 and t5 rather thanan array opening overhead and an array closing overhead for each singlepage read, the overall read time for multiple read operations may bereduced for a selected access line for multiple blocks (or sub-blocks)of memory cells. In the particular example of FIG. 5 , by not closingthe array when switching between blocks of memory cells, the overallread time is reduced by an amount of time equal to two array openingoverheads and two array closing overheads.

FIG. 6 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments. In this example, multiple pages ofdata are read from memory cells coupled to multiple access lines (e.g.,202 _(N), 202 _(N-1), 202 _(N-2)) within a single block of memory cells(e.g., 250 ₀). In FIG. 6 , trace 320 might represent the voltage levelapplied to a first access line 202 _(N) connected to respective memorycells 208 _(N) within the block of memory cell 250 ₀. Trace 322 mightrepresent the voltage level applied to a second access line 202 _(N-1)connected to respective memory cells 208 _(N-1) within the block ofmemory cell 250 ₀. Trace 324 might represent the voltage level appliedto a third access line 202 _(N-2) connected to respective memory cells208 _(N-2) within the block of memory cell 250 ₀. While FIG. 6 depictsthree traces 320, 322, and 324 corresponding to three access lines formultiple read operations, in other embodiments the multiple readoperations may involve two access lines or more than three access lines.

At time t0, a command is received (e.g., from control logic 116 of FIG.1 ) to open the array of memory cells for multiple read operations. Inresponse to the command to open the array of memory cells, a voltage ofeach access line 202 _(N), 202 _(N-1), 202 _(N-2) might increase from areference voltage 326 to a voltage 328 sufficient to activate eachrespective memory cell 208 coupled to each access line as indicated bytraces 320, 322, 324. While not shown in FIG. 6 , in response to thecommand to open the array of memory cells, the array of memory cellsmight be opened for multiple read operations between times t0 and t1 byalso: increasing the voltage of each unselected access line 202 from thereference voltage 326 to the voltage 328 sufficient to activate eachrespective memory cell 208 coupled to each unselected access line 202,and biasing the select lines 215 ₀ and 214 ₀ to activate the respectiveselect gates 212 and 210 to select the respective NAND strings 206within the block of memory cells 250 ₀.

At time t1, the voltage of each access line 202 _(N), 202 _(N-1), 202_(N-2) has reached the voltage 328. The period between times t0 and t1is part of the read overhead since no data is read during this period.At time t1, a command might be received to read first page data (e.g.,lower page data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled tothe first access line 202 _(N). Between times t1 and t2, the voltage ofaccess line 202 _(N) is reduced to read the first page data fromrespective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the access line 202 _(N) asindicated by trace 320, while the voltage of access lines 202 _(N-1),202 _(N-2) is maintained at the voltage 328 sufficient to activate therespective memory cells 208 _(N-1), 208 _(N-2) coupled to each accessline 202 _(N-1), 202 _(N-2) as indicated by traces 322, 324.

At time t2, a command might be received to read second page data fromthe respective memory cells 208 _(N-1) coupled to the access line 202_(N-1). Between times t2 and t3, the voltage of access line 202 _(N-1)is reduced to read the second page data (e.g., lower page data) fromrespective memory cells 208 _(N-1) coupled to the access line 202 _(N-1)as indicated by trace 322, while the voltage of access lines 202 _(N),202 _(N-2) is increased (or maintained) to the voltage 328 sufficient toactivate the respective memory cells 208 _(N), 208 _(N-2) coupled toeach access line 202 _(N), 202 _(N-2) as indicated by traces 320, 324.

At time t3, a command might be received to read third page data from therespective memory cells 208 _(N-2) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N-2). Between times t3 and t4, the voltage of access line 202_(N-2) is reduced to read the third page data (e.g., lower page data)from respective memory cells 208 _(N-2) coupled to the access line 202_(N-2) as indicated by trace 324, while the voltage of access lines 202_(N), 202 _(N-1) is increased (or maintained) to the voltage 328sufficient to activate the respective memory cells 208 _(N), 208 _(N-1)coupled to each access line 202 _(N), 202 _(N-1) as indicated by traces320, 322.

At time t4, the multiple read operations are complete and a command toclose the array of memory cells is received. In response to the commandto close the array of memory cells, the voltage of each access line 202_(N), 202 _(N-1), 202 _(N-2) is ramped up to the voltage 328 sufficientto activate the respective memory cells 208 _(N), 208 _(N-1), 208 _(N-2)coupled to each access line followed by ramping down each access line202 _(N), 202 _(N-1), 202 _(N-2) to the reference voltage 326. While notshown in FIG. 6 , in response to the command to close the array ofmemory cells, the array of memory cells is closed between times t4 andt5 by also: ramping up the voltage of the unselected access lines 202 tothe voltage 328 sufficient to activate each respective memory cell 208coupled to the unselected access lines 202 followed by ramping down theunselected access lines 202 to the reference voltage 326, and biasingthe select lines 215 ₀ and 214 ₀ to deactivate the respective selectgates 212 and 210 to deselect the respective NAND strings 206 of theblock of memory cells 250 ₀.

The period between times t4 and t5 is part of the read overhead since nodata is read during this period. By reading multiple pages between timest1 and t4 with a single array opening overhead between times t0 and t1and a single array closing overhead between times t4 and t5 rather thanan array opening overhead and an array closing overhead for each singlepage read, the overall read time for multiple read operations may bereduced for multiple access lines within a single block (or sub-block)of memory cells. In the particular example of FIG. 6 , by not closingthe array between page reads, the overall read time is reduced by anamount of time equal to two array opening overheads and two arrayclosing overheads.

FIG. 7 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments. In this example, multiple pages ofdata are read from memory cells coupled to multiple access lines (e.g.,202 _(N) and 202 _(N-1)) within multiple blocks (or sub-blocks) ofmemory cells (e.g., 250 ₀, 250 ₁, 250 ₂). In FIG. 7 , trace 330 mightrepresent the voltage level applied to a currently selected access line202 (the selected access line changes in FIG. 7 ) coupled to respectivememory cells 208. While FIG. 7 depicts two access lines 202 _(N) and 202_(N-1) and three blocks of memory cells 250 ₀, 250 ₁, 250 ₂ for multipleread operations, in other embodiments the multiple read operations mayinvolve one access line, more than two access lines, less than threeblocks of memory cells, or more than three blocks of memory cells.

At time t0, a command is received (e.g., from control logic 116 of FIG.1 ) to open the array of memory cells for multiple read operations. Inresponse to the command to open the array of memory cells, a voltage ofthe selected access line 202 _(N) might increase from a referencevoltage 332 to a voltage 334 sufficient to activate each respectivememory cell 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N). Whilenot shown in FIG. 7 , in response to the command to open the array ofmemory cells, the array of memory cells might be opened for multipleread operations between times t0 and t1 by also: increasing the voltageof the unselected access lines (e.g., 202 _(N-1) and the other accesslines 202) from the reference voltage 332 to the voltage 334 sufficientto activate each respective memory cell 208 coupled to each unselectedaccess line, and biasing the select lines 215 ₀, 215 ₁, 215 ₂ and 214 ₀,214 ₁, 214 ₂ to activate the respective select gates 212 and 210 toselect each respective string of series-connected memory cells 206within the blocks of memory cells 250 ₀, 250 ₁, 250 ₂.

At time t1, the voltage of the selected access line 202 _(N) has reachedthe voltage 334. The period between times t0 and t1 is part of the readoverhead since no data is read during this period. At time t1, a commandmight be received to read first page data (e.g., lower page data) fromthe respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N) for the first block of memory cells 250 ₀. Between times t1 andt2, the first page data is read by adjusting the voltage level of theselected access line 202 _(N) to sense the lower page data of therespective memory cells 208 _(N) for the first block of memory cells 250₀. At time t2, a command might be received to read second page data(e.g., upper page data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N)coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N) for the first block ofmemory cells 250 ₀. Between times t2 and t3, the second page data isread by adjusting the voltage level of the selected access line 202 _(N)to sense the upper page data of the respective memory cells 208 _(N) forthe first block of memory cells 250 ₀. At time t3, a command might bereceived to read third page data (e.g., extra page data) from therespective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line 202_(N) for the first block of memory cells 250 ₀. Between times t3 and t4,the third page data is read by adjusting the voltage level of theselected access line 202 _(N) to sense the extra page data of therespective memory cells 208 _(N) for the first block of memory cells 250₀.

The multiple read operations continue as indicated by 336 between timet4 of the first row of FIG. 7 and time t4 of the second row of FIG. 7 .At time t4, a command might be received to read first page data (e.g.,lower page data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled tothe selected access line 202 _(N) for a second block of memory cells 250₁. Between times t4 and t5, the first page data is read by adjusting thevoltage level of the selected access line 202 _(N) to sense the lowerpage data of the respective memory cells 208 _(N) for the second blockof memory cells 250 ₁. At time t5, a command might be received to readsecond page data (e.g., upper page data) from the respective memorycells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N) for thesecond block of memory cells 250 ₁. Between times t5 and t6, the secondpage data is read by adjusting the voltage level of the selected accessline 202 _(N) to sense the upper page data of the respective memorycells 208 _(N) for the second block of memory cells 250 ₁. At time t6, acommand might be received to read third page data (e.g., extra pagedata) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selectedaccess line 202 _(N) for the second block of memory cells 250 ₁. Betweentimes t6 and t7, the third page data is read by adjusting the voltagelevel of the selected access line 202 _(N) to sense the extra page dataof the respective memory cells 208 _(N) for the second block of memorycells 250 ₁.

After time t7 as indicated by 338, the multiple read operations continuefor respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N) for a third block of memory cells 250 ₂. After reading the data(e.g., lower page data, upper page data, and extra page data) from therespective memory cells coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N) forthe third block of memory cells 250 ₂, as indicated by 340 the multipleread operations continue for respective memory cells 208 _(N-1) coupledto a selected access line 202 _(N-1) for the first block of memory cells250 ₀. The multiple read operations then proceed for respective memorycells 208 _(N-1) coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N-1) for thesecond block of memory cells 250 ₁.

At time t(t−4), a command might be received to read first page data(e.g., lower page data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N-1)coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N-1) for the third block ofmemory cells 250 ₂. Between times t(t−4) and t(t−3), the first page datais read by adjusting the voltage level of the selected access line 202_(N-1) to sense the state of the respective memory cells 208 _(N-1) forthe third block of memory cells 250 ₂. At time t(t−3), a command mightbe received to read second page data (e.g., upper page data) from therespective memory cells 208 _(N-1) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N-1) for the third block of memory cells 250 ₂. Between timest(t−3) and t(t−2), the second page data is read by adjusting the voltagelevel of the selected access line 202 _(N-1) to sense the upper pagedata of the respective memory cells 208 _(N-1) for the third block ofmemory cells 250 ₂. At time t(t−2), a command might be received to readthird page data (e.g., extra page data) from the respective memory cells208 _(N-1) coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N-1) for the thirdblock of memory cells 250 ₂. Between times t(t−2) and t(t−1), the thirdpage data is read by adjusting the voltage level of the selected accessline 202 _(N-1) to sense the state of the respective memory cells 208_(N-1) for the third block of memory cells 250 ₂.

At time t(t−1), the multiple read operations are complete and a commandto close the array of memory cells is received. In response to thecommand to close the array of memory cells, the voltage of the currentlyselected access line 202 _(N-1) is ramped up to the voltage 334sufficient to activate each respective memory cell 208 _(N-1) coupled tothe currently selected access line 202 _(N-1) followed by ramping downthe currently selected access line 202 _(N-1) to the reference voltage332. While not shown in FIG. 7 , in response to the command to close thearray of memory cells, the array of memory cells is closed between timest(t−1) and t(t) by also: ramping up the voltage of the unselected accesslines 202 to the voltage 334 sufficient to activate each respectivememory cell 208 coupled to the unselected access lines 202 followed byramping down the unselected access lines 202 to the reference voltage332, and biasing the select lines 215 ₀, 215 ₁, 215 ₂ and 214 ₀, 214 ₁,214 ₂ to deactivate the respective select gates 212 and 210 to deselecteach respective string of series-connected memory cells 206 within theblocks of memory cells 250 ₀, 250 ₁, 250 ₂.

The period between time t(t−1) and t(t) is part of the read overheadsince no data is read during this period. By reading multiple pagesbetween times t1 and t(t−1) with a single array opening overhead betweentimes t0 and t1 and a single array closing overhead between times t(t−1)and t(t) rather than an array opening overhead and an array closingoverhead for each single page read, the overall read time for multipleread operations may be reduced for a multiple access lines withinmultiple blocks (or sub-blocks) of memory cells. In the particularexample of FIG. 7 , by not closing the array between page reads, theoverall read time is reduced by an amount of time equal to 12 arrayopening overheads and 12 array closing overheads.

FIG. 8 depicts a timing diagram for another method of operating a memoryfor use with various embodiments. In FIG. 8 , trace 350 might representthe voltage level applied to an access line (e.g., selected word line)connected to memory cells selected for the multiple read operations,e.g., target memory cells. The following discussion will be made withreference to at least FIG. 2A and will presume that the memory cellsselected for the read operation are the memory cells 208 _(N) of theNAND strings 206 ₀ to 206 _(M) of the block of memory cells 250 ₀, suchthat trace 350 might represent the voltage level applied to access line202 _(N). The access line 202 _(N) may be referred to as the selectedaccess line as it contains the target memory cells, while remainingaccess lines 202 may be referred to as unselected access lines.

At time t0, a command is received (e.g., from control logic 116 of FIG.1 ) to open the array of memory cells for multiple read operations. Inresponse to the command to open the array of memory cells, a voltage ofthe selected access line 202 _(N) might increase from a referencevoltage 352 to a voltage 354 sufficient to activate each respectivememory cell 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N). Whilenot shown in FIG. 8 , in response to the command to open the array ofmemory cells, the array of memory cells might be opened for multipleread operations between times t0 and t1 by also: increasing the voltageof each unselected access line 202 from the reference voltage 352 to thevoltage 352 sufficient to activate each respective memory cell 208coupled to each unselected access line 202, and biasing the select lines215 ₀ and 214 ₀ to activate the respective select gates 212 and 210 toselect the respective NAND strings 206 within the block of memory cells250 ₀.

At time t1, the voltage of the selected access line 202 _(N) has reachedthe voltage 354. The period between times t0 and t1 is part of the readoverhead since no data is read during this period. At time t1, a commandmight be received to read first page data (e.g., lower page data) fromthe respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line202 _(N). Between times t1 and t2, the first page data is read byadjusting the voltage level of the selected access line 202 _(N) tosense the lower page data of the respective memory cells 208 _(N). Attime t2, a command might be received to read second page data (e.g.,upper page data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N) coupled tothe selected access line 202 _(N). Between times t2 and t3, the secondpage data is read by adjusting the voltage level of the selected accessline 202 _(N) to sense the upper page data of the respective memorycells 208 _(N). At time t3, no command is received to read third pagedata (e.g., extra page data) from the respective memory cells 208 _(N)coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N) thus resulting in a delaybetween times t3 and t4. The delay might be due to the memory arraytiming and control logic input based on the read bandwidth of the memoryarray. After the delay at time t4, a command might be received to readthird page data (e.g., extra page data) from the respective memory cells208 _(N) coupled to the selected access line 202 _(N) and the multipleread operations continue as previously described.

The bias voltages applied to the selected access line 202 _(N) and theunselected access lines 202 (and the select lines 215 and 214) aremaintained during the delay between times t3 and t4. In one example, ifthe delay exceeds a threshold period, the array of memory cells isclosed prior to reading the third page data and reopened for multipleread operations prior to reading the third page data in response toclosing the array of memory cells. While the delay in FIG. 8 is shown asbeing between times t3 and t4, in other examples the delay may be atother times. In addition, there may be multiple delays whileimplementing multiple read operations without closing the array ofmemory cells.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 400 of operating a memory inaccordance with an embodiment. Method 400 might be implemented bycontrol logic 116 of memory device 100 of FIG. 1 and may correspond atleast in part to the timing diagram of FIG. 4 . Method 400 might beimplemented by a memory device including an array of memory cellscomprising a plurality of strings of series-connected memory cells; anda plurality of access lines, where each access line of the plurality ofaccess lines is connected to a control gate of a respective memory cellof each string of series-connected memory cells of the plurality ofstrings of series-connected memory cells as previously described atleast with reference to FIG. 2C.

At 402, the control logic may be configured to open the array of memorycells for multiple read operations. In one example, the control logicmay be configured to open the array of memory cells for multiple readoperations by ramping up each access line (e.g., 202) of the pluralityof access lines from a reference voltage to a voltage sufficient toactivate each respective memory cell (e.g., 208) coupled to each accessline of the plurality of access lines.

At 404, the control logic may be configured to read first page data(e.g., a first logical page) from respective memory cells coupled to aselected access line of the plurality of access lines. At 406, thecontrol logic may be configured to read second page data (e.g., a secondlogical page) from the respective memory cells coupled to the selectedaccess line. In one example, the control logic may be configured to readthe second page data without ramping down an unselected access line ofthe plurality of access lines to the reference voltage after reading thefirst page data. In another example, the control logic may be configuredto read the second page data without ramping down any unselected accesslines of the plurality of access lines to the reference voltage afterreading the first page data.

At 408, the control logic may be configured to close the array of memorycells subsequent to reading the first page data and the second pagedata. In one example, the control logic may be configured to close thearray of memory cells by ramping up each access line of the plurality ofaccess lines to the voltage sufficient to activate each respectivememory cell coupled to each access line of the plurality of access linesfollowed by ramping down each access line of the plurality of accesslines to the reference voltage.

The first page data and the second page data may be sequentially storedin respective latches (e.g., 260 ₀ to 260 _(M)) of a page buffer (e.g.,240 a of FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, the control logic may beconfigured to transfer the first page data out of the respective latchesprior to reading the second page data. In another embodiment, thecontrol logic may be configured to transfer the first page data out ofthe respective latches concurrently with reading the second page data.In another embodiment, the first page data and the second page data maybe stored in parallel in a respective plurality of latches (e.g., 262_(0,1)-262 _(0,Y) to 262 _(M,1)-262 _(M,Y)) of a page buffer (e.g., 240b of FIG. 3B).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 500 of operating a memory inaccordance with another embodiment. Method 500 might be implemented bycontrol logic 116 of memory device 100 of FIG. 1 and may correspond atleast in part to the timing diagrams of FIGS. 4 and 8 . Method 500 mightbe implemented by a memory device including an array of memory cellscomprising a plurality of strings of series-connected memory cells; aplurality of access lines, wherein each access line of the plurality ofaccess lines is connected to a control gate of a respective memory cellof each string of series-connected memory cells of the plurality ofstrings of series-connected memory cells; and a page buffer connected tothe array of memory cells as previously described at least withreference to FIGS. 2C-3B.

At 502, the control logic may be configured to open the array of memorycells for multiple read operations. At 504, the control logic may beconfigured to read first page data from respective memory cells (e.g.,208) coupled to a selected access line (e.g., 202) of the plurality ofaccess lines to latch the first page data in the page buffer (e.g., inlatch 260 ₀ to 260 _(M) of page buffer 240 a of FIG. 3A). At 506, thecontrol logic may be configured to transfer the latched first page dataout of the page buffer. At 508, the control logic may be configured toread second page data from the respective memory cells coupled to theselected access line to latch the second page data in the page buffer.In one embodiment, the control logic may be configured to transfer thelatched first page data out of the page buffer concurrently with readingthe second page data. In another embodiment, the control logic may beconfigured to transfer the latched first page data out of the pagebuffer prior to reading the second page data. At 510, the control logicmay be configured to transfer the latched second page data out of thepage buffer. At 512, the control logic may be configured to close thearray of memory cells.

In one embodiment, the control logic may be configured to maintain biasvoltages applied to the plurality of access lines in response to a delaybetween latching the first page data in the page buffer and reading thesecond page data. The control logic may be configured to close the arrayof memory cells prior to reading the second page data in response to thedelay exceeding a threshold period, and reopen the array of memory cellsfor multiple read operations prior to reading the second page data inresponse to closing the array of memory cells.

FIGS. 11A-11D are flowcharts of a method 600 of operating a memory inaccordance with another embodiment. Method 600 might be implemented bycontrol logic 116 of memory device 100 of FIG. 1 and may correspond atleast in part to the timing diagrams of FIGS. 5-7 . Method 600 might beimplemented within a memory device including an array of memory cellscomprising a plurality of strings of series-connected memory cells; aplurality of access lines, wherein each access line of the plurality ofaccess lines is connected to a control gate of a respective memory cellof each string of series-connected memory cells of the plurality ofstrings of series-connected memory cells; a plurality of data lines,wherein each data line of the plurality of data lines is connected to arespective subset of strings of series-connected memory cells of theplurality of strings of series-connected memory cells via respectiveselect gates of a plurality of select gates; and a plurality of selectlines, wherein each select line of the plurality of select lines isconnected to a control gate of a respective select gate of the pluralityof select gates for a respective subset of the plurality of select gatesas previously described at least with reference to FIG. 2C.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A at 602, the control logic may be configuredto open the array of memory cells for multiple read operations. In oneexample, the control logic may be configured to open the array of memorycells for multiple read operations by ramping up each access line of theplurality of access lines from a reference voltage to a voltagesufficient to activate each respective memory cell coupled to eachaccess line of the plurality of access lines and ramping up each selectline of the plurality of select lines from the reference voltage to avoltage sufficient to activate each respective select gate coupled toeach select line of the plurality of select lines.

At 604, the control logic may be configured to bias a first select line(e.g., 215) of the plurality of select lines to connect via respectiveselect gates (e.g., 212) of the plurality of select gates each data line(e.g., 204) of the plurality of data lines to a respective first stringof series-connected memory cells (e.g., 206) of the plurality of stringsof series-connected memory cells. At 606, the control logic may beconfigured to read first page data from respective memory cells (e.g.,208) coupled to a first selected access line (e.g., 202) of theplurality of access lines for the respective first strings ofseries-connected memory cells. At 608, the control logic may beconfigured to read second page data from the respective memory cellscoupled to the first selected access line for the respective firststrings of series-connected memory cells without closing the array ofmemory cells following the reading of the first page data.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B at 610, the control logic may be furtherconfigured to read first page data from respective memory cells coupledto a second selected access line of the plurality of access lines forthe respective first strings of series-connected memory cells withoutclosing the array of memory cells following the reading of the secondpage data from the respective memory cells coupled to the first selectedaccess line. At 612, the control logic may be further configured to readsecond page data from the respective memory cells coupled to the secondselected access line for the respective first strings ofseries-connected memory cells without closing the array of memory cellsfollowing the reading of the first page data from the respective memorycells coupled to the second selected access line.

As illustrated in FIG. 11C at 614, the control logic may be furtherconfigured to bias the first select line of the plurality of selectlines to disconnect via the respective select gates of the plurality ofselect gates each data line of the plurality of data lines from therespective first string of series-connected memory cells. At 616, thecontrol logic may be further configured to bias a second select line ofthe plurality of select lines to connect via respective select gates ofthe plurality of select gates each data line of the plurality of datalines to a respective second string of series-connected memory cellssubsequent to the reading of the second page data from the respectivememory cells coupled to the first selected access line. At 618, thecontrol logic may be further configure to read first page data fromrespective memory cells coupled to the first selected access line forthe respective second strings of series-connected memory cells. At 620,the control logic may be further configured to read second page datafrom the respective memory cells coupled to the first selected accessline for the respective second strings of series-connected memory cellswithout closing the array of memory cells following the reading of thefirst page data from the respective memory cells coupled to the firstselected access line for the respective second strings ofseries-connected memory cells.

As illustrated in FIG. 11D at 622, the control logic may be furtherconfigured to close the array of memory cells once all page data is readfrom respective memory cells coupled to each access line of theplurality of access lines for each string of series-connected memorycells of the plurality of strings of series-connected memory cells. Inone example, the control logic may be configured to close the array ofmemory cells by ramping up each access line of the plurality of accesslines to a voltage sufficient to activate each respective memory cellcoupled to each access line of the plurality of access lines followed byramping down each access line of the plurality of access lines to areference voltage and ramping up each select line of the plurality ofselect lines to a voltage sufficient to activate each respective selectgate coupled to each select line of the plurality of select linesfollowed by ramping down each select line of the plurality of selectlines down to the reference voltage.

CONCLUSION

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations ofthe embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory device comprising: an array of memorycells comprising a plurality of strings of series-connected memorycells; a plurality of access lines, each access line of the plurality ofaccess lines connected to a control gate of a respective memory cell ofeach string of series-connected memory cells of the plurality of stringsof series-connected memory cells; a voltage generation device toselectively apply voltages to the plurality of access lines; and controllogic configured to: open the array of memory cells for multiple readoperations; read first page data from respective memory cells coupled toa selected access line of the plurality of access lines for a firstblock of memory cells of the array of memory cells; read second pagedata from the respective memory cells coupled to the selected accessline for a second block of memory cells of the array of memory cells;and close the array of memory cells subsequent to reading the first pagedata and the second page data, wherein the first page data comprises afirst logical page and the second page data comprises a second logicalpage.
 2. The memory device of claim 1, further comprising: a pluralityof data lines, each data line of the plurality of data lines connectedto a respective string of series-connected memory cells of the pluralityof strings of series-connected memory cells; and a page buffer connectedto the plurality of data lines, the page buffer comprising a respectiveplurality of latches for each data line of the plurality of data linesto store the first page data and the second page data in parallel. 3.The memory device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of datalines, each data line of the plurality of data lines connected to arespective string of series-connected memory cells of the plurality ofstrings of series-connected memory cells; and a page buffer connected tothe plurality of data lines, the page buffer comprising a respectivelatch for each data line of the plurality of data lines to sequentiallystore the first page data and the second page data, wherein the controllogic is configured to transfer the first page data out of therespective latch for each data line of the plurality of data lines priorto reading the second page data.
 4. The memory device of claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of data lines, each data line of theplurality of data lines connected to a respective string ofseries-connected memory cells of the plurality of strings ofseries-connected memory cells; and a page buffer connected to theplurality of data lines, the page buffer comprising a respective latchfor each data line of the plurality of data lines to sequentially storethe first page data and the second page data, wherein the control logicis configured to transfer the first page data out of the respectivelatch for each data line of the plurality of data lines concurrentlywith reading the second page data.
 5. The memory device of claim 1,wherein the control logic is configured to: open the array of memorycells for multiple read operations by ramping up each access line of theplurality of access lines from a reference voltage to a voltagesufficient to activate each respective memory cell coupled to eachaccess line of the plurality of access lines; and close the array ofmemory cells by ramping up each access line of the plurality of accesslines to the voltage sufficient to activate each respective memory cellcoupled to each access line of the plurality of access lines followed byramping down each access line of the plurality of access lines to thereference voltage.
 6. The memory device of claim 5, wherein the controllogic is configured to read the second page data without ramping down anunselected access line of the plurality of access lines to the referencevoltage after reading the first page data.
 7. The memory device of claim5, wherein the control logic is configured to read the second page datawithout ramping down any unselected access lines of the plurality ofaccess lines to the reference voltage after reading the first page data.8. A memory device comprising: an array of memory cells comprising aplurality of strings of series-connected memory cells; a plurality ofaccess lines, each access line of the plurality of access linesconnected to a control gate of a respective memory cell of each stringof series-connected memory cells of the plurality of strings ofseries-connected memory cells; a voltage generation device toselectively apply voltages to the plurality of access lines; and controllogic configured to: open the array of memory cells for multiple readoperations; read first page data from respective memory cells coupled toa selected access line of the plurality of access lines for a firstblock of memory cells of the array of memory cells; read second pagedata from the respective memory cells coupled to the selected accessline for a second block of memory cells of the array of memory cells;read third page data from the respective memory cells coupled to theselected access line for a third block of memory cells of the array ofmemory cells; and close the array of memory cells subsequent to readingthe first page data, the second page data, and the third page data. 9.The memory device of claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of datalines, each data line of the plurality of data lines connected to arespective string of series-connected memory cells of the plurality ofstrings of series-connected memory cells; and a page buffer connected tothe plurality of data lines, the page buffer comprising a respectiveplurality of latches for each data line of the plurality of data linesto store the first page data, the second page data, and the third pagedata in parallel.
 10. The memory device of claim 8, further comprising:a plurality of data lines, each data line of the plurality of data linesconnected to a respective string of series-connected memory cells of theplurality of strings of series-connected memory cells; and a page bufferconnected to the plurality of data lines, the page buffer comprising arespective latch for each data line of the plurality of data lines tosequentially store the first page data, the second page data, and thethird page data, wherein the control logic is configured to transfer thefirst page data out of the respective latch for each data line of theplurality of data lines prior to reading the second page data.
 11. Thememory device of claim 8, wherein the first page data comprises a firstlogical page, the second page data comprises a second logical page, andthe third page data comprises a third logical page.
 12. The memorydevice of claim 8, wherein the control logic is configured to: open thearray of memory cells for multiple read operations by ramping up eachaccess line of the plurality of access lines from a reference voltage toa voltage sufficient to activate each respective memory cell coupled toeach access line of the plurality of access lines; and close the arrayof memory cells by ramping up each access line of the plurality ofaccess lines to the voltage sufficient to activate each respectivememory cell coupled to each access line of the plurality of access linesfollowed by ramping down each access line of the plurality of accesslines to the reference voltage.
 13. The memory device of claim 12,wherein the control logic is configured to read the second page datawithout ramping down an unselected access line of the plurality ofaccess lines to the reference voltage after reading the first page data.14. The memory device of claim 13, wherein the control logic isconfigured to read the second page data without ramping down anunselected access line of the plurality of access lines to the referencevoltage after reading the second page data.
 15. The memory device ofclaim 12, wherein the control logic is configured to read the secondpage data without ramping down any unselected access lines of theplurality of access lines to the reference voltage after reading thefirst page data.
 16. The memory device of claim 15, wherein the controllogic is configured to read the second page data without ramping downany unselected access lines of the plurality of access lines to thereference voltage after reading the second page data.